Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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136. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 85, 86 and 87 of 16 November 2016 (details supplied), if she will consider funding for a similar type support group in the USA, particularly in view of the fact the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres did not receive the information circulated via the embassies in October 2014. [37663/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the Government made the decision to provide a grant to the Irish Women Survivors Support Network (IWSSN) as over 20% of the applicants to the Magdalen Laundries Redress Scheme are resident in the UK. From an early stage in the process the IWSSN had engaged with my Department, the McAleese Committee and with Judge Quirke.

As the Deputy may be aware, the IWSSN has done good work for a considerable time in providing advice, support and assistance to women survivors of Irish institutions including women who were in the Magdalen Laundries. The grant, provided by the Government, was to enable them to continue this work.

As previously advised, the issue of the Magdalen Laundries and the establishment of the Scheme attracted world wide media attention. Information on the Scheme was also circulated to local Irish communities around the world via our network of embassies. Applications have been received from the USA, Switzerland, Australia and Cyprus.

There are no plans to provide funding to any organisation in the USA or in any other jurisdiction around the world. My officials in the Restorative Justice Implementation Unit are available to assist with any queries regarding the Scheme. If the Deputy is aware of any organisation or individual who would like information on the Scheme my officials will be happy to assist.